Leon Simon Lissek

Cantor Leon Lissek died peacefully at his home with his beloved wife at his side on Tuesday morning, January 27,2026, just shy of his 90th birthday. Leon was born on February 8, 1936, in Paris, France to Chana Sznur and Samuel Max Lissek. He had two younger brothers, Marcel and Jacques, who have since passed away. At the age of five, Leon lost his father, who was deported and murdered in Auschwitz. In the face of this immense loss, Leon's mother Chana had the courage and foresight to entrust her three little boys to the care of Jewish and non-Jewish families as well as Catholic monasteries; Leon and his brothers remained hidden throughout the war. After the war, with dogged persistence, Chana sought out her three young sons, reclaimed them, and immigrated to the US by boat. Years later, Leon recalled that it was on this journey where he first heard and was inspired by the thrilling voice of Mario Lanza.

Despite the significant interruption caused by years in hiding, Leon was determined to pursue his education. Once in Buffalo, NY, he attended Bennet High School and University of Buffalo. His deep feeling for Jewish tradition, love of music, and the guidance of mentors inspired him to become a cantor. After studying at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, he took his first position as a Cantor in Philadelphia. There, he met and fell in love with Meryl (Michal) Chazin, treasuring her for her spunk, intellect, and love of Judaism and Israel. The two were married on June 16, 1968.

In St. Louis, MO, he took a position at Congregation B’nai Amoona where he served for 30 years. The congregation relished Cantor Leon's love of singing and depth of knowledge of the Jewish musical tradition. Known nationally as a cantor’s cantor, he drew people to hear his striking tenor voice. Over decades, he taught hundreds of bar mitzvah students, hosted a weekly radio show on Jewish music, directed children's and adult choirs, and produced and curated annual and holiday concerts, performing with dozens of artists he brought to the Midwest. In addition, he recorded several albums in the US and Israel, and performed both with the Israel Philharmonic and as a soloist on Israel’s Kol Israel radio.

Throughout his life, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a light-hearted grandfather who always knew how to make his grandchildren laugh. Seemingly gruff on the surface, he quickly won everyone over with his true nature as a gentle giant with a loving heart.

Leon is survived by his beloved wife, Michal, of 57 years, his children Devorah (Josh Barash), Shmuel, (Zohara Cohen) and Shira, as well as his grandchildren Abe, Eitan, Reuben, Carmela, Ma’ayan, and Bayla.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday, January 29, at Gutterman and Musicant Funeral Home (402 Park Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601), followed by interment at Cedar Park Cemetery (735 Forest Park, Paramus, NJ 07652). In lieu of

flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of one’s choice or any of the following:

· Congregation Beth Sholom (Teaneck, NJ)

o https://www.cbsteaneck.org

· Congregation B’nai Amoona (St. Louis, MO)

o https://www.bnaiamoona.com

· Renewal

o www.renewal.org